OLD WEST BALLOON FESTIVAL 2022
Here we are in Gering Nebraska for the 2022 Old West Balloon Festival. My main goal is to photograph the Mass Ascensions on August 12th and 13th, as well as the night glow on August 13th.
I volunteer to do this simply because I enjoy balloon events. That said if the balloon bug ever bites you there are balloon events all over the country and they are always looking for volunteers. If you volunteer as part of a balloon crew you might just get a ride.
This event coincides with a national competition where about 50 balloons will be competing all week long on events which test their flying skills. Friday and Saturday the Mass Ascensions lift off from the Mitchell Airfield located just south of Mitchell Nebraska. The National competitors will launch from a site and fly into Mitchell Field for their competition on those two mornings.
I have been told there will be about 80 balloons total this year. I recognize many of them from Albuquerque as well as some pilots and crew members. One of the fun things about ballooning.
I would highly speculate next years event will be roughly the same time of year. For folks in Cheyenne, it is about 90 miles over here and a very nice event. There are other things going on like a craft fair, Winner Dog races, corn hole tournament and more.
One thing about this event is over the days of activities the launch and glow locations move all around Scotts Bluff County. Here is their website for more Information and next years planning. https://theoldwestballoonfest.com/ I’ll post a few photos here and will have more on my web sites . Soggy Moose Travel
http://soggymoosetravel.blogspot.com/
Soggy Moose Photography
https://soggymoosephoto.smugmug.com/
https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/11-scott-hughes
